New Delhi: The committee constituted by the Ministry of Railways to examine the feasibility of creation of a new railway zone has been asked to consult various stakeholders, including MPs and the State governments, before a final decision is taken on the issue.

This was stated by Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha in the Lok Sabha on Monday, in response to questions raised by MPs — Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao (Anakapalle), Kothapalli Geetha (Araku), Malyadri Sriram (Bapatla), and Nandi Yellaiah (Nagarkurnool).

Mr. Sinha noted that as per Item 8 of Schedule 13 (Infrastructure) of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, the Indian Railways was required to examine the possibility of establishing a new railway zone in the successor State of Andhra Pradesh, and take an expeditious decision thereon.

Proposals

He noted that the Railway Ministry had received proposals from different sources suggesting various locations, including Visakhapatnam, as headquarters of the new railway zone.